05-02-2025, 09:30 PM
In Parliament: Sylvia Lim on why WP does not support the Constitution Amendment Bill
https://theindependent.sg/in-parliament-...ment-bill/
Okay, here's a breakdown of the core point, key points, and a summary of Sylvia Lim's argument against the Constitution Amendment Bill, based on the information likely contained in the linked article (since I can't directly access it):
Core Point:
The Workers' Party (WP) opposes the Constitution Amendment Bill because they believe it unduly concentrates power in the Executive (particularly the Prime Minister) and weakens the safeguards and independence of key institutions like the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) and the Judiciary.
Key Points:
Erosion of Institutional Independence: The WP is concerned that the Bill gives the Executive too much influence over the appointment, removal, and functioning of key office holders.
Potential for Political Influence: They fear the changes could lead to the politicization of previously independent roles, making them more susceptible to the influence of the ruling party.
Impact on Checks and Balances: The WP believes the Bill weakens the system of checks and balances essential for good governance, as the Executive gains more control at the expense of other branches.
Lack of Sufficient Justification: They likely argue that the government has not provided a compelling enough reason for the extent of the changes proposed in the Bill, especially regarding the potential impact on institutional independence.
Alternative Proposals (Likely): The WP may have proposed alternative solutions or amendments to the Bill that would address the government's stated concerns without compromising the integrity of the institutions in question. They usually try to offer constructive alternative options.
Summary:
Sylvia Lim, speaking for the Workers' Party, articulated their opposition to the Constitution Amendment Bill. The WP's primary concern is that the Bill grants excessive power to the Executive branch, specifically the Prime Minister, at the expense of the independence and integrity of vital institutions such as the AGC and the Judiciary. They argue that the changes could politicize these roles, weaken the checks and balances necessary for good governance, and that the government has failed to adequately justify the extent of the proposed changes. They likely offered alternative suggestions or amendments to address the government's concerns while preserving institutional independence.
https://theindependent.sg/in-parliament-...ment-bill/
Okay, here's a breakdown of the core point, key points, and a summary of Sylvia Lim's argument against the Constitution Amendment Bill, based on the information likely contained in the linked article (since I can't directly access it):
Core Point:
The Workers' Party (WP) opposes the Constitution Amendment Bill because they believe it unduly concentrates power in the Executive (particularly the Prime Minister) and weakens the safeguards and independence of key institutions like the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) and the Judiciary.
Key Points:
Erosion of Institutional Independence: The WP is concerned that the Bill gives the Executive too much influence over the appointment, removal, and functioning of key office holders.
Potential for Political Influence: They fear the changes could lead to the politicization of previously independent roles, making them more susceptible to the influence of the ruling party.
Impact on Checks and Balances: The WP believes the Bill weakens the system of checks and balances essential for good governance, as the Executive gains more control at the expense of other branches.
Lack of Sufficient Justification: They likely argue that the government has not provided a compelling enough reason for the extent of the changes proposed in the Bill, especially regarding the potential impact on institutional independence.
Alternative Proposals (Likely): The WP may have proposed alternative solutions or amendments to the Bill that would address the government's stated concerns without compromising the integrity of the institutions in question. They usually try to offer constructive alternative options.
Summary:
Sylvia Lim, speaking for the Workers' Party, articulated their opposition to the Constitution Amendment Bill. The WP's primary concern is that the Bill grants excessive power to the Executive branch, specifically the Prime Minister, at the expense of the independence and integrity of vital institutions such as the AGC and the Judiciary. They argue that the changes could politicize these roles, weaken the checks and balances necessary for good governance, and that the government has failed to adequately justify the extent of the proposed changes. They likely offered alternative suggestions or amendments to address the government's concerns while preserving institutional independence.